Flake: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly refers to a small, thin piece of something, often used for food or material. It can also be used informally to describe someone who is unreliable.

• She had a few flakes of chocolate on her dessert.
• John is such a flake; he didn't show up to the meeting again.

A unique, six-sided ice crystal that falls from the sky in cold weather. Informally, it can also negatively describe someone who is overly sensitive.

• Each snowflake is unique in shape and design.
• He's called a snowflake because he gets offended so easily.

Describes a clear, transparent mineral or a piece of such mineral used in jewelry or decorative objects. Also used figuratively to talk about something very clear or clean.

• The chandelier was made of fine crystal.
• Her voice was as clear as crystal.

Often refers to a small, thin piece of ice, usually used in drinks or for medical purposes, like soothing a sore throat.

• The nurse brought him ice chips to help with the pain.
• She crunched on ice chips to cool down in the summer heat.

Used informally to describe someone who is not reliable or often cancels plans last minute.

• John is such a flake; he didn't show up to the meeting again

Formal term for someone who cannot be trusted to do something properly or on time.

• Sarah is an unreliable person; she always forgets to complete her part of the group assignments

Describes someone who does not behave in the same way every time, often leading to unpredictable actions.

• Tom is an inconsistent person; one day he's enthusiastic about the project, and the next day he doesn't care at all

Refers to someone whose loyalties, interests, or affections change frequently, emphasizing their changeable nature.

• Mary is a fickle person when it comes to hobbies; she was really into painting last week, but now she's all about yoga